Sherwin-Williams has launched the industry’s first static control water-based epoxy floor coating system, the company said. The General Polymers 3425E Static Control Water-Based Epoxy Coating and 3424 Conductive Water-Based Epoxy Primer, developed by the company’s protective and marine coatings business, offer better performance and environmental attributes compared to conductive solvent-based epoxy coating systems.

Sherwin-Williams 3425E Static Control Water-Based Epoxy Coating is a high solids, two component epoxy coating designed as a coating or topcoat over standard flooring systems to provide a static dissipative flooring system in the range of 106 to 109 ohms resistance. It is an ideal flooring finish in computer rooms, circuit board assembly areas, hangars and where highly sensitive electronic equipment is used regularly. 3425E Static Control Water-Based Epoxy Coating provides resistance to wear, abrasion and chemical attack from most common alkalis and acids.

The new water-based coating also can be used as a conductive coating in the range of 25,000 to 106 ohms resistance when applied over the 3424 Conductive Water-Based Epoxy Primer. Conductive flooring is required in flammable material handling areas, black powder storage areas and other areas where highly explosive materials are present.

In tests, the new water-based system has performed better at static dissipation than solvent-based systems. In addition, the coating is breathable, which makes it a better choice for older concrete floors or where moisture has been an issue in the past. Because the new primer and coating are low odor, they can be installed in occupied spaces without disrupting tenants. The coating and primer are very easy to apply, can be cleaned up with soap and water, and do not sacrifice dry time and speed-to-cure when compared to traditional conductive solvent-based epoxy systems.